Ultrasound-guided supra-acetabular pelvic external fixator (US-SA FIX)

Abstract

Background: Between the different options in pelvic external fixation, the supra-acetabular pin placement is considered the best option by many authors. The aim of this study is to describe the surgical technique of the ultrasound-guided supra-acetabular pelvic external fixator (US-SA FIX).

Surgical technique: Description of the steps to perform the US-SA FIX technique.

Discussion: The supra-acetabular pin placement is considered the best option and it is the most wildly used because it combines three crucial qualities: safety, simplicity, and effectiveness. Notwithstanding, when a severely multiple injured patient arrives at the emergency room we need to perform an emergency external fixation, however trained x-ray technicians or pelvic surgeons are not always present, making it difficult to perform the surgery with the proper intra-operative imaging, increasing the surgical time with potentially serious repercussions, a case scenario where the ultrasound can be a very helpful tool. Ultrasound-guided supra-acetabular pelvic external fixator pin placement is feasible without compromising the reliability of its placement, and the application of this new technique in clinical practice in our centre brings encouraging results.

Keywords: Pelvic external fixator; Pelvic fracture; Sonography; Supraacetabular pinning; Ultrasound.